Principal Associate, Quality Operational Readiness (QOR)

Would you like to join an international team working to improve the future of healthcare? Do you want to enhance the lives of millions of people? Grifols is a global healthcare company that since 1909 has been working to improve the health and well-being of people around the world. We are leaders in plasma-derived medicines and transfusion medicine and develop, produce and market innovative medicines, solutions and services in more than 110 countries and regions.

Position Summary:

The Global Quality Operational Readiness (QOR) Principal Associate supports the implementation and operational readiness of Quality functions at new Biopharma manufacturing facilities (as well as new processes/faciltities at existing sites) across the EU, US, Canada, and other global locations. This role is instrumental in ensuring new sites meet global regulatory requirements and internal quality standards from the inception. The Global Quality QOR Principal Associate will work in the framework of cross-functional quality teams, including Subject Matter Experts (SMEs), and collaborate closely with Grifols BioPharma site's Engineering, Manufacturing, Regulatory Affairs, IT, and Global Quality to establish robust quality systems and processes aligned with cGMP and global health authority expectations.  May serve as manager delegate with demonstrated experience, as applicable.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Facilitate the transfer of knowledge and best practices from other established Grifols sites (Technology Transfer process).  Focus will be on identifying and implementing best practices that are cGMP compliant, inspection-tested and successful, as well as efficient.  These best practices will be contemporary with health authorities/regulatory agencies expectations.                            
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (Engineering, Manufacturing, Regulatory Affairs, IT) to ensure quality is embedded in all aspects of site design and operations for new start up process.                         
• Monitor project timelines, quality milestones, and risk mitigation plans for site readiness.  Keep results (KPIs) visible to all stakeholders and to senior management on routine basis.                            
• Ensure readiness for regulatory inspections through comprehensive planning, mock audits, and gap assessments.  Conduct practice sessions with key site personnel to have successful interactions with regualtory inspectors.   
• Assist new start up site with review of validation master plans, sampling plans, master data setup, site master file development, product and raw material specifications, etc…                            
• Use expertise and sound judgement to make recommendations to site Quality and Global Quality regarding improvement opportunities.                              
• Assist BioPharma sites with recommendations for problem solving, mitigation of identified quality risks, and improvement of processes.  Use quality risk-based approaches.                            
• Monitor needed timelines and a sense of urgency with site Quality contacts so that the overall project milestones are not adversely impacted by quality support.  In all cases, ensure competent quality oversight is established in the new site processes.                            
• Carry out visits to production plants to ensure compliance with regulations and quality standards.  Perform walkthroughs in manufacturing, warehouse, other GMP areas to identify continuous improvement opportunities and partner with site management to get the improvements in place.                            
• Proactively identify quality related solutions and robust quality systems (as will be needed for day to day effective operations or during review by external regulators).  Emphasze proactive problem-solving rather than reactionary responses. Ensure quality systems are mapped accordingly.                            
• Share expertise of product knowledge with site quality personnel to ensure continuity of appropriate quality oversight of product portfolios.  

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Analytical Thinking: Capability to analyze data and metrics to inform decision-making and identify areas for improvement
• Communication: Proven, successful communication skills to effectively convey quality standards and expectations to diverse stakeholders
• Risk Management: Proficiency in identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks associated with product quality and compliance
• Problem-Solving: Ability to quickly identify quality issues and recommend effective solutions to maintain quality standards
• Regulatory Knowledge Management: Demonstrated understanding of regulatory requirements (U.S. FDA, EMA, Health Canada, etc...)
• Collaboration: Ability to work collaboratively with other departments and external partners to ensure quality across the entire process
• Project Management: Skills to monitor multiple quality initiatives and projects simultaneously, ensuring timely and successful completion.  Reporting of progress on frequent basis to management.
• Superior organizational capabilities:  Demonstrated evidence of identifying issues and accelerating solutions, mitigations

Requirements:

PhD in a Life Sciences, Chemical Sciences, or relevant degree (STEM degree preferred:  science, biotechnology/technology, engineering, math, or computer science) with a minimum of 4 years relevant experience. MS in a Life Sciences, Chemical Sciences, or relevant degree (STEM degree preferred:  science, biotechnology/technology, engineering, math, or computer science) with a minimum of 6 years relevant experience. BS in a Life Sciences, Chemical Sciences, or relevant degree (STEM degree preferred:  science, biotechnology/technology, engineering, math, or computer science) with a minimum of 8 years relevant experience.

Occupational Demands:

There is a requirement for travel for this position.  It is expected to have 15% to 50% travel to the other Biopharma sites in scope of support by Qualtiy Operational Readiness.  Some of this travel will be international travel.

The position is eligible to participate in the company bonus pool. We offer a wide variety of benefits including, but not limited to: Medical, Dental, Vision, life insurance, PTO, paid holidays and up to 5% 401(K) match and tuition reimbursement. Final compensation packages will ultimately depend on education, experience, skillset, knowledge, where the role is performed, internal equity and market data. We are committed to offering our employees opportunities for professional growth and career progression. Grifols is a global healthcare organization with employees in 30 countries focused on patient health and providing impactful results. Since our humble beginnings in 1909, Grifols has been a family company that prides itself on its family-like culture. Our company has more than tripled over the last 10 years, and you can grow with us!

Third Party Agency and Recruiter Notice:

Agencies that present a candidate to Grifols must have an active, nonexpired, Grifols Agency Master Services Agreement with the Grifols Talent Acquisition Department. Additionally, agencies may only submit candidates to positions that they have been engaged to work on by a Grifols Recruiter. All resumes must be sent to a Grifols Recruiter under these terms or they will be considered a Grifols candidate.

Grifols provides equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race; color; sex; gender identity; sexual orientation; religious practices and observances; national origin; pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; status as a protected veteran or spouse/family member of a protected veteran; or disability.  We will consider for employment all qualified applicants in a manner consistent with the requirements of all applicable laws.

Location: This position supports and establishes Quality functions at new Biopharma manufacturing facilities (as well as new processes/faciltities at existing sites) in North America, Europe, and other global locations.

Learn more about Grifols